Orbit Genomics was awarded a two-year $2MM Direct to Phase II SBIR Grant from NIH/NCI to develop the second-generation of our lung cancer test, OrbiSeq-L. OrbiSeq-L, is a simple blood test that diagnoses lung cancer in patients that have low-dose CT scans with indeterminate pulmonary nodules, IPNs. Every year, 2.5-3 million Americans have low-dose CT scans with IPNs which require a biopsy for diagnosis.
The SBIR grant is to develop a second-generation test that will not only diagnose lung cancer, but also provide subtype information, enabling most patients to start treatment without a biopsy. This advancement will significantly expand the use of our test while improving patient outcomes, further reducing the need for biopsies and providing significant cost savings for insurers.
The grant review process featured an exceptionally rigorous peer reviewed evaluation of our technology platform by experts internal and external to NIH/NCI, providing robust validation of our scientific and business approach and its potential to drive innovation in the field.
We will conduct the grant work while OrbiSeq-L is in clinical trials. We are delighted to work with leading lung cancer experts at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, National Jewish Health, Kaiser Permanente, Atrium Health (Advocate Healthcare) and Moffitt Cancer Center on this project as well as clinical trials for OrbiSeq-L.